The Nissan was the first of this genre of vehicle to come to the market in 2006. It has come a long way since then. It comes with a huge range of engines from the 1.2l petrol giving 115bhp to the 1.6l petrol giving 163bhp and two diesels in the middle, a 1.5l and 1.6l giving 115bhp and 130bhp respectively. Most of the range is front wheel drive but the 1.6l diesel is available at all spec levels with power to all four wheels. The gearbox options are either a six-speed manual or Nissan’s CVT transmission. Pulling capacity rises from 1,200kg to 1,800kg with more power and all wheel drive. Retail prices range from €25,620 for the base model up to €38,720 for the top spec diesel with off-road capability.
The Tucson is irelands best selling car.
The Hyundai was Ireland’s best-selling car again in 2017 and is well up the standings so far in 2018. It comes with three engine choices – a 1.6l petrol giving 132bhp, a 1.7l diesel giving 115bhp and the range-topping 2l giving 136bhp. Across the range there are two- and four-wheel drive options. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on all variants but a six-speed auto is available with the big diesel engine. Towing capacities vary from 1,500kg to 1,900kg depending on which variant is chosen. Retail prices range from €26,145 for the standard spec two-wheel-drive petrol model up to €42,995 for the bigger diesel engine with the automatic box, four-wheel-drive and all the bits inside.
The Kia sportage is a serious contender in the medium SUV market
The new Sportage was released last year and has been a good seller so far in 2018. It comes with three different engine options – a 1.7l diesel giving 115bhp, a 1.7l petrol giving 141bhp and a 2l diesel giving 136bhp. Front wheel drive is the standard drivetrain but four wheel drive is available with the bigger diesel engine. A six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed DCT (auto) are the gearbox options. Trailer-hauling capacity starts at 1,400kg for the petrol two wheel drive and rises to 2,000kg for the diesel four wheel drive version. Retail prices range from €27,995 for the 1.7l diesel-powered LX specification up to €35,795 for the 2l diesel in Platinum specification.
The latest Rav 4 is a pretty little car
The Rav 4 has been around for quite a while but has recently been given a serious makeover. There are only two engine specifications available, a 2l diesel producing 143bhp and a hybrid. Front wheel drive is all you can have with the diesel engine but a four wheel drive version is available if you choose the hybrid power unit. Yet again if you go with the oil burner you have to have the six-speed manual box and the hybrid powered Ravs get the e-CVT (auto) box as standard. Allowable towing weights for the Rav 4 range from 1,650kg to 2,100kg. Retail prices range from €31,950 for the Luna spec diesel version up to €45,800 Platinum spec all-wheel-drive hybrid.
Ford Kuga
The Kuga was another one of this class that was given a revamp in 2016 so it looks fresh for the 100-year celebrations which happened in 2017. There are four different engines available – a 1.5l Ecoboost petrol giving out 150bhp, a 1.5l diesel with 120bhp, and a 2l diesel giving out either 150bhp or 180bhp depending on specification. The smaller diesel and the petrol engine versions are only available in two-wheel drive. The 150bhp diesel gives the option of either two- or four-wheel drive. The big power diesel comes with four-wheel drive as standard. There is a six-speed manual or a Power Shift Automatic. The auto is only available with the two higher-powered diesel units. The Kuga is rated to pull between 1,200kg and 2,100kg depending on engine and drivetrain. Retail prices range from €37,700 for the Ecoboost petrol with Titanium spec up to €47,030 for the powerful diesel and ST-Line spec.
THe new Dacia Duster will arrive in Ireland this summer.
The Duster has gained a serious foothold in the Irish market, with its jeep-like looks and reasonable pricing. It has taken over some of the hatchback market. The Dacia comes with a 1.5l DCI diesel engine producing 109bhp. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options are available at all spec levels. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across the range. The maximum towing weight for the little Dacia is 1,500kg across the range. Retail prices range from €16,690 for the base model to €23,390 for the top of the range. This model is coming to an end shortly and the new version is due here this summer and I’m sure it will be a market success.
Volkswagen;s new look Tiguan is lighter than in the past with more space and improved economy.
The Tiguan is another to have been reworked and given some new options. The engine options consist of a 1.4l TSI petrol producing 125bhp and a 2l diesel producing from 115bhp to a monstrous 240bhp in twin turbo guise. The smaller powered diesel engine and the petrol are only available in two-wheel drive but four-wheel drive is available from 150bhp upwards. Two transmissions are available, a six-speed manual and Volkswagen group’s DSG automatic. The lugging capability of the Tiguan ranges from 1,600kg to an impressive 2,500kg for the top spec four-wheel drive. Pricing for the Tiguan starts at €29,860 for the basic Trendline specification with the petrol engine and go up to €46,870 for the twin turbo diesel with the top Sportline specifications.
THe New Skoda Karoq was launched recently
Skoda’s smaller SUV comes with five engine variants which are available from 85 kW (115bhp) to 140 kW (190bhp), of which four are new. A number of “Simply Clever” features are also included in the brand’s new compact SUV, including a rear-seat VarioFlex system and a virtual pedal for the hands-free opening of the boot. It is also possible to comfortably transport especially long items which can be accommodated in the interior of the compact SUV by utilising the folding front passenger seat. Pricing runs from €31,765.
THe new q3 will arrive this summer
The second-generation Q3, Audi’s rival to the BMW X1, is based on the same platform as the Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan – all very good small SUVs. It has sharper looks, new and updated engines and, because it’s bigger than its predecessor, more room inside. The Q3’s interior has been redesigned, too, with more tech and a dashboard similar to that of the latest Audi A3. This car will arrive on the Irish market this July. Pricing is to be confirmed over the next few weeks.
The final word
There are many different options in the small SUV market and these are only a sample of the best sellers so far this year.
Other notable cars in this class are the new Peugeot 3008, which is leading a brand revival in Ireland for the French company. This car shares a lot of hardware with the new Opel Grandland X, which is also worth a mention in this class.
As with all car purchases, budget is the main restraining factor but in the SUV class there is something for every budget from the very good value and fun Duster to the rather opulent Audi Q3 and something for every budget and taste in between.
The Nissan was the first of this genre of vehicle to come to the market in 2006. It has come a long way since then. It comes with a huge range of engines from the 1.2l petrol giving 115bhp to the 1.6l petrol giving 163bhp and two diesels in the middle, a 1.5l and 1.6l giving 115bhp and 130bhp respectively. Most of the range is front wheel drive but the 1.6l diesel is available at all spec levels with power to all four wheels. The gearbox options are either a six-speed manual or Nissan’s CVT transmission. Pulling capacity rises from 1,200kg to 1,800kg with more power and all wheel drive. Retail prices range from €25,620 for the base model up to €38,720 for the top spec diesel with off-road capability.
The Tucson is irelands best selling car.
The Hyundai was Ireland’s best-selling car again in 2017 and is well up the standings so far in 2018. It comes with three engine choices – a 1.6l petrol giving 132bhp, a 1.7l diesel giving 115bhp and the range-topping 2l giving 136bhp. Across the range there are two- and four-wheel drive options. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on all variants but a six-speed auto is available with the big diesel engine. Towing capacities vary from 1,500kg to 1,900kg depending on which variant is chosen. Retail prices range from €26,145 for the standard spec two-wheel-drive petrol model up to €42,995 for the bigger diesel engine with the automatic box, four-wheel-drive and all the bits inside.
The Kia sportage is a serious contender in the medium SUV market
The new Sportage was released last year and has been a good seller so far in 2018. It comes with three different engine options – a 1.7l diesel giving 115bhp, a 1.7l petrol giving 141bhp and a 2l diesel giving 136bhp. Front wheel drive is the standard drivetrain but four wheel drive is available with the bigger diesel engine. A six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed DCT (auto) are the gearbox options. Trailer-hauling capacity starts at 1,400kg for the petrol two wheel drive and rises to 2,000kg for the diesel four wheel drive version. Retail prices range from €27,995 for the 1.7l diesel-powered LX specification up to €35,795 for the 2l diesel in Platinum specification.
The latest Rav 4 is a pretty little car
The Rav 4 has been around for quite a while but has recently been given a serious makeover. There are only two engine specifications available, a 2l diesel producing 143bhp and a hybrid. Front wheel drive is all you can have with the diesel engine but a four wheel drive version is available if you choose the hybrid power unit. Yet again if you go with the oil burner you have to have the six-speed manual box and the hybrid powered Ravs get the e-CVT (auto) box as standard. Allowable towing weights for the Rav 4 range from 1,650kg to 2,100kg. Retail prices range from €31,950 for the Luna spec diesel version up to €45,800 Platinum spec all-wheel-drive hybrid.
Ford Kuga
The Kuga was another one of this class that was given a revamp in 2016 so it looks fresh for the 100-year celebrations which happened in 2017. There are four different engines available – a 1.5l Ecoboost petrol giving out 150bhp, a 1.5l diesel with 120bhp, and a 2l diesel giving out either 150bhp or 180bhp depending on specification. The smaller diesel and the petrol engine versions are only available in two-wheel drive. The 150bhp diesel gives the option of either two- or four-wheel drive. The big power diesel comes with four-wheel drive as standard. There is a six-speed manual or a Power Shift Automatic. The auto is only available with the two higher-powered diesel units. The Kuga is rated to pull between 1,200kg and 2,100kg depending on engine and drivetrain. Retail prices range from €37,700 for the Ecoboost petrol with Titanium spec up to €47,030 for the powerful diesel and ST-Line spec.
THe new Dacia Duster will arrive in Ireland this summer.
The Duster has gained a serious foothold in the Irish market, with its jeep-like looks and reasonable pricing. It has taken over some of the hatchback market. The Dacia comes with a 1.5l DCI diesel engine producing 109bhp. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options are available at all spec levels. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across the range. The maximum towing weight for the little Dacia is 1,500kg across the range. Retail prices range from €16,690 for the base model to €23,390 for the top of the range. This model is coming to an end shortly and the new version is due here this summer and I’m sure it will be a market success.
Volkswagen;s new look Tiguan is lighter than in the past with more space and improved economy.
The Tiguan is another to have been reworked and given some new options. The engine options consist of a 1.4l TSI petrol producing 125bhp and a 2l diesel producing from 115bhp to a monstrous 240bhp in twin turbo guise. The smaller powered diesel engine and the petrol are only available in two-wheel drive but four-wheel drive is available from 150bhp upwards. Two transmissions are available, a six-speed manual and Volkswagen group’s DSG automatic. The lugging capability of the Tiguan ranges from 1,600kg to an impressive 2,500kg for the top spec four-wheel drive. Pricing for the Tiguan starts at €29,860 for the basic Trendline specification with the petrol engine and go up to €46,870 for the twin turbo diesel with the top Sportline specifications.
THe New Skoda Karoq was launched recently
Skoda’s smaller SUV comes with five engine variants which are available from 85 kW (115bhp) to 140 kW (190bhp), of which four are new. A number of “Simply Clever” features are also included in the brand’s new compact SUV, including a rear-seat VarioFlex system and a virtual pedal for the hands-free opening of the boot. It is also possible to comfortably transport especially long items which can be accommodated in the interior of the compact SUV by utilising the folding front passenger seat. Pricing runs from €31,765.
THe new q3 will arrive this summer
The second-generation Q3, Audi’s rival to the BMW X1, is based on the same platform as the Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan – all very good small SUVs. It has sharper looks, new and updated engines and, because it’s bigger than its predecessor, more room inside. The Q3’s interior has been redesigned, too, with more tech and a dashboard similar to that of the latest Audi A3. This car will arrive on the Irish market this July. Pricing is to be confirmed over the next few weeks.
The final word
There are many different options in the small SUV market and these are only a sample of the best sellers so far this year.
Other notable cars in this class are the new Peugeot 3008, which is leading a brand revival in Ireland for the French company. This car shares a lot of hardware with the new Opel Grandland X, which is also worth a mention in this class.
As with all car purchases, budget is the main restraining factor but in the SUV class there is something for every budget from the very good value and fun Duster to the rather opulent Audi Q3 and something for every budget and taste in between.
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